The main difference in version 3.1.0 is that Turning and Milling are calculated using different mathematical models. This is intentional, as the nature of the operations differs.
IMPORTANT!
The Turning module is mathematically tied to dollars and hours.
The Milling module calculates currency units and minutes.
Especially when starting out — please pay close attention to the hints in the input fields and enter correct values.
In this module, there is no "Hourly Rate" field. The price is formed from base rates for operations, multiplied by complexity coefficients.
This is your global price adjustment tool.
1. If you work in USD ($): Simply enter 1.
2. If you work in another currency: Enter the current exchange rate (how many units of your currency equal 1 USD).
3. Fine Tuning: This field acts as a general multiplier. If you feel the calculated prices are too low for your market or skill level, you can increase this coefficient. For example, setting it to 1.5 will increase all turning prices by 50%. It serves as your personal inflation or skill coefficient.
IMPORTANT!!!
If manufacturing from your own material — specify its cost in DOLLARS ($).
Common mistake: entering the cost in local currency (e.g., Rubles or Rupees) results in cosmic prices. If the raw stock costs 100 units of your currency, convert it to USD first (e.g., 1.2). If you enter "100", the calculator will add $100 to your work cost, making the price unnatural.
Specify values in millimeters.
The larger the diameter, the more expensive the processing. But not linearly.
Example: A Ø200mm part will cost significantly more than a Ø50mm part due to weight, setup complexity, and inertia risks.
A very important checkbox. Doubles the cost of all operations, as hard alloys wear out tools faster and require more time/care.
Depth of cut (removal per side). For stepped processing, specify the maximum removal value. Calculate the difference between the stock diameter and the thinnest part of the detail. The program accounts for the number of passes. Big removal = more time = higher price.
Field for "pancake" type parts (brake discs, flywheels, flanges), where facing is a precision operation, not just for aesthetics.
Example for a brake disc: Facing is done on 3 surfaces.
So, the value for this field would be 3.
Specify the number of grooves when making a pulley. Calculates the removal of the belt profile.
Specify the hole diameter. The program calculates drilling. If the diameter is large — a boring coefficient is added automatically.
This field is NOT JUST for holes and threads! It applies to fits and tolerances in general, if required. If a bearing fit or high precision is needed. Accepts values multiples of 2 (4, 6, 8, etc.). Increases the price as it requires time for "honing" the size and measuring.
Specify thread diameter. Calculates standard metric thread using a tool or tap.
Calculated as more expensive than standard. Requires high qualification, taper attachment setup, offset tailstock, or CNC.
Complex thread profiles. Require special tooling, multiple passes, and strict control.
Checkboxes that add a fixed sum or complexity coefficient to the cost.
Standard turning elements. If there are many, and they have precise parameters in the drawing — be sure to check this.
Note: Chamfer = The Turner's Conscience. You don't need to check this box for EVERY part (you should deburr edges by default). But there are parts where the drawing clearly specifies exactly what the chamfer must be. In that case — checking this is mandatory.
Surface texturing. Load on the machine + time for setting up the knurling tool.
Drilling across the part (cross-drilling). Requires setup in a vise/V-block, additional tooling, or live tooling.
Milling faces on the part. Accounts for re-clamping or milling attachment setup.
Repair operation. Removal of a broken bolt or stud.
If you are cutting a keyway directly on the lathe.
Cut-off diameter. Specify the diameter of the stock, not the finished part neck.
Additional workshop services.
Welding is calculated in centimeters of seam (standard MMA).
Benchwork in hours (if benchwork took 30 minutes — enter 0.5). The Benchwork field is for fixing time spent on preparation — tool prep, fixture setup, struggling with part basing, etc.
Press operations in units — if you need to remove or press-fit a bearing, pulley, etc. Enter the quantity of press operations.
Hardening or tempering of the part (if you do it yourself).
Here, the calculation is based on Time. The calculator computes the volume of removed material (cm³), divides by the removal rate (MRR), and adds time for auxiliary operations.
This is the base multiplier.
Your flexible setting for the cost of one hour of work.
Set this to your local market standard for milling work per hour.
• Aluminum: Coeff. 0.4 (Very Fast)
• Steel (Mild/Med): Coeff. 1.0 (Base)
• Stainless: Coeff. 1.7 (Slow + tool wear)
• Titanium: Coeff. 2.5 (Very slow)
Used to estimate manipulation complexity. Heavy parts take longer to load/set up. If the part has a complex shape (hollow), enter the weight manually.
If using your own material, enter its full price here. It will be added to the total.
Implies that you are not making a part from a solid block from scratch. Enable this if you need to skim "just a little bit" off an existing finished part. This forbids "hogging" material, switching the calculation to careful, finishing passes.
Insurance for risk. If you scrap the client's part, you will have to buy/replace it. The calculator builds this risk into the price.
Note: Of course, 30% won't cover the full cost if you scrap a complex part. But understand that you charge this 30% risk on EVERY responsible part, but you don't scrap EVERY part. So, in the long run, you are still in the black. The main thing is not to start scrapping every single part 😊
This time MUST be accounted for in milling jobs. It often takes up 50% of the order time.
~4 minutes. Just threw the part in, tapped it with a mallet.
Securing with clamping kits directly to the machine table.
~20-25 minutes. Dialing in "to zero", indicating hole centers. For precision work.
~45-50 minutes. Setting up a dividing head or rotary table.
Depth of Cut: How much material is removed in total.
Qty Sides: How many planes are being processed.
Specify average width and average depth.
Example: if you need two keyways - 6mm and 12mm. In the width field, enter 9 ((6+12)\2), and in the depth field (half of key), enter 4.5 ((3+6)\2).
In the "Total LENGTH" field, sum up the lengths of all slots on the part.
Divided into 3 groups for convenience:
Diameter, depth, quantity. The "Tap" checkbox adds time for thread cutting if you need a threaded hole, not just a plain one.
For dowel pin holes. The "Reamer" checkbox adds a finishing reaming operation.
Separate module for boring large or precise holes with a boring bar.
The higher the accuracy, the more time is allocated for measuring and "spring passes".
Complex operation with unpredictable results. The calculator accounts not just for drilling, but for prep, centering, and the risk of the drill walking.
Restoring an existing (damaged) thread with a tap or die.
It is impossible to describe every possible metalworking operation in a single app. This field serves precisely for such situations. Entering a positive number increases the total sum by that percentage. Entering a negative number reduces the total price by the % you specified.